Mike McDowell Named President of San Diego Hall of Champions

Mike McDowell, who recently resigned from heading Balboa Park’s 2015 centennial celebration, was named president of the San Diego Hall of Champions, according to a news release.

Ron Fowler, a part owner of the San Diego Padres and chairman of the SDHOC, said he has known McDowell for many years, and seen his many successes. “He will bring a vast array of professional experiences to the leadership of the Hall of Champions,” Fowler said.

Previously, McDowell was the CEO of the San Diego Lodging Industry Association for the past decade. He stepped down from that position last year for a one-year stint as the Executive on Loan to head up the centennial celebration, which marks the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Panama California Exposition at Balboa Park.

McDowell, who also previously worked as executive vice president for corporate affairs for Atlas Hotels and served on the Mayor’s Task Force on the Convention Center project, will also direct the activities of the San Diego Sports Commission, according to the statement from the HOC.

Al Kidd, who held both titles as president of the HOC and the SDSC, resigned from those positions in June to pursue other opportunities.